Former Rubaga Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Herbert Anderson Burora has been granted temporary freedom after spending over a month in prison. However, his release comes with a stringent condition: he is prohibited from discussing Speaker Anita Among.
Burora was released on a Shs5 million cash bail by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court on Wednesday. The bail comes with a strict gag order, effectively placing a “duct tape” on Burora’s mouth regarding any mention of Speaker Among.
Facing eight counts of hate speech and spreading malicious information against Speaker Among, Burora’s legal battle has attracted significant attention. The prosecution, led by Richard Birivumbuka, initially objected to Burora’s bail application, citing insufficient sureties and a lack of a clear address.
Despite these objections, Burora’s legal team successfully contested the prosecution’s arguments. Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizi ultimately granted the bail but imposed severe restrictions, including a prohibition on discussing the Speaker publicly.
“We are pleased that our client has been released on bail,” said Burora’s lawyer, Byamukama. “We believe the charges against him are without merit and we will vigorously defend him in court.”
The prosecution alleges that Burora used his X (formerly Twitter) account, @handerHB, to disseminate harmful information about Speaker Among, accusing her of corruption, kidnapping, and murder. “The accused’s actions are unacceptable and have the potential to incite violence,” said Birivumbuka. “We will ensure that justice is served.”
Burora’s case has been adjourned to August 22, 2024, as his legal team prepares to mount a robust defense. The bail conditions and the nature of the charges have sparked discussions on freedom of speech and the legal boundaries of public commentary in Uganda.
IN HE’S OWN WORDS
I finally got my bail granted. My Lawyers who amid intimidation and possible compromise, chose the cause over silver. Thank you Friends and everyone who added a voice. I must have lost a Job (Livelihood) Freedom under threat, but I’m focused and ready to lose everything to defeat all possible existential threats to all Ugandans. I commend the Young people that amid hefty deployment, they chose to engage the barrel to protect and fight for their future and those to come after us. I need to put myself together and will ably see where to start from but among all, Is to address the concerns of the arrested young people during the #March2Paliament. Our wins shall come in handy, but eventually it shall be aggregated into a win for all.
